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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Chris Mortimer: The Politics of Illegal Migration in the Bahamas
By Chris Mortimer, DNA Deputy Leader
Aug 4, 2014 - 9:16:09 PM

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The recent visit of Haitian President Michel Martelly to the Bahamas has again thrust issues of failed government policy, longstanding prejudices, and emotionally driven arguments surrounding the Haitian-Bahamian dynamic back into the public consciousness.

While his official visit was billed as the first step in creating and sustaining a trade relationship for agricultural products, Martelly’s comments on how to properly address the influx of illegal migrants from Haiti to the Bahamas; have again become the centerpiece of heated debate regarding the way forward for this country in terms of establishing a clear and concise policy on immigration.

As has been widely reported, Mr. Martelly has requested that the government of the Bahamas take a more proactive approach in encouraging Bahamian companies to invest in Haiti. When pressed by the local media, Mr. Martelly asserted that such action on the part of the government would have the effect of stabilizing the Haitian economy through job creation, thereby discouraging illegal migration to the Bahamas.

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is not unsympathetic to the issues which plague Haiti. In fact, the DNA believes firmly in creating the type of relationship with Haiti that can prove to be mutually beneficial. We therefore commend Mr. Martelly for attempting to solicit outside investments as a facilitator of growth and development in his country. His comments reflect the intent of leader doing what he deems necessary to ensure that opportunities are created for his people.

The DNA however, cannot support the use of government resources or influence to address the political and economic concerns of another country, while here at home, sufficient steps have not been taken to address our own fiscal challenges. Our PRINCIPAL concern should be promoting the interests of the Bahamas and Bahamians.

As a party, we support the choices of our citizens to make private investments outside of this jurisdiction inclusive of Haiti. The unfortunate reality is however, that this country’s current economic climate, does not allow the Bahamas government any room to advocate for, or undertake any significant investments in another country.

In considering the Haitian President’s proposal, the government must seek to answer one basic question: What is the best thing to do with our investment dollars? For the DNA, the answer is obvious. Any monies which the government would consider using MUST be used at home. These funds could be used in a myriad of ways from Family Island Development to Infrastructural development. A DNA government would invest in future generations of Bahamians through improvements to the current education system; greater emphasis on ensuring that young Bahamians, who make up a significant portion of the country’s population, are prepared to compete with both their regional and global counterparts; greater investment in providing the kind of education and training that creates a workforce that is able to sustain their employment through personal and professional productivity.

In the interim, the government must now take steps to ensure that the Haitian government takes more accountability for the illegal influx of its citizenry to the Bahamas while simultaneously accepting and acknowledging the country’s role in allowing the issue to spiral out of control.

In less than one year of coming to office, The DNA will move to clarify the status of all persons born in The Bahamas. We do not support the notion that people born of non-Bahamians in The Bahamas are automatically stateless. Such individuals are made stateless only through the failure of successive government administrations to act lawfully or to enforce the laws. To that end, law enforcement agencies will be reorganized and refocused to effectively, efficiently and humanely carry out their duties with respect to immigration policy. As much as possible, The DNA will strive to make these changes budget neutral by ensuring the establishment of responsibility system which will see those responsible for breaching the laws, pay the cost to fix the problem.

There can be no dismissal of the role Haitians have historically played in the building of this country. Over time, their presence both legal and illegally has led to a co-mingling of cultures and seen Haitian nationals become intertwined into the familial fabric of the country. This however cannot be grounds to allow the current flawed system to continue unabated. The time has come to urgently, honestly and forthrightly address the significant issue of illegal migration and the far reaching implications for our still developing democracy.

Christopher Mortimer

DNA Deputy Leader



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